On 5th April, 2025, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny gathered to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Sr. Margaret Nellieakunnel's religious life.
Sr. Margaret, fondly known as “Auntie Maggie”, a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny, dedicated the past 50 years of her life to serving the Lord and humanity. Born and raised in Bharananganam, a town in the South Indian state of Kerala on the 14th day of January, 1952, Sr. Margaret had felt the call to religious life from a young age.
On her 23rd birthday, she made her first profession of vows. In 1986, she was sent to The Gambia on a mission where she served for 7 years. In 1993, she was part of the second cohort of Cluny Sisters to come to Ghana and since then, has always lived in the country. She is currently 73 years old and has spent 32 out of her 50 years of religious dedication with the good people of Ghana.
Throughout her 50-years of selfless dedication, Sr. Margaret had served in various capacities, including teaching, and administration. She had worked in India, The Gambia, and Ghana, always striving to make a positive impact on the lives of those around her. Her dedication, compassion, and selflessness had earned her the respect and admiration of her family, friends, students, and the communities she had served.
The Golden Jubilee celebration was attended by Most Rev Peter K. Atuahene, Bishop of Goaso Diocese, Most Rev Peter K. Sarpong, Emeritus Archbishop of Kumasi, several priests, Sr. Angela Bangura (Provincial of the Cluny Sisters), Cluny Sisters, and religious men and women from different parts of the country. Also, we had traditional rulers, Cluny Family, choristers, parishioners, old students, friends and students from St. Joseph, gracing the occasion.
The event began with a solemn Mass, concelebrated by several priests, with the Bishop of Goaso as the main celebrant. In his homily, Bishop Atuahene spoke about how selfless and dedicated Sr. Margaret is in whatever she does. He thanked God for the life of Sr Margaret and prayed that God will continue to be with her as she continues with her mission to the people of Domeabra.
Drawing lessens from her life,the Bishop noted, "If sister has gone through these 50 years of religious life, it’s all because she was united with Christ. As Bishops, priests, deacons,religious, our success in our field journey depends on how we are deeply rooted in Christ."
Sr. Margaret also renewed her vows to the Lord during Mass.
The programme included poetry recitals, dances, and a cadet display by the students of St. Joseph. Several dignitaries, including the Bishop, the Provincial Superior of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny, traditional rulers, paid glowing accolades to Sr. Margaret's selfless service and dedication to the congregation and humanity. They praised her commitment to education, and social welfare, and acknowledged the positive impact she had made on countless.
As the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny, and well-wishers gathered to honour Sr. Margaret, they were reminded of the power of selfless love and the impact one person can have on the world.
Source : DEPSOCOM Goaso & Sr. Francisca Akogo, SJC